What is MCPS and how is it different from PRS for Music?

MCPS, the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society, licenses and collects for uses that copy or synchronise musical works, such as reproducing music in a production. PRS for Music mainly licenses the public performance, broadcast and communication of musical works.

The right needed depends on what you are doing. Playing music in a business is not the same as copying music to a device, putting it into a video or making a physical product.

The official MCPS Production Music FAQ describes the difference between mechanical and performing rights. Check the exact licence before copying or synchronising music.

You do not need a separate PRS for Music licence if you only use MelloJam

If your business plays only MelloJam music through the MelloJam player, you are not using music from the repertoire covered by PRS for Music's licensing route. MelloJam's original catalogue and the commercial playback rights it controls are included in your MelloJam plan, so you do not need a separate licence from PRS for Music for the MelloJam playback itself.

A separate non-waivable venue charge can still apply where local law imposes one. Radio, television, Spotify, other recordings, live music, DJs, events, copying and online use are outside the MelloJam plan.

Back to all PRS for Music licensing questions.